Sweden Avails US$6 million for SRHR and GBV Fight

The Swedish Government through its Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has availed US$6 million to a project aimed at promoting access to inclusive sexual reproductive health and gender based violence information and services in Zimbabwe.

By Kudakwashe Pembere

The three year project running from October 2018 to September 2021 will be implemented by Plan International and its partners namely Childline, JF Kapnek Trust and Troicare.

“As a Ministry, we are particularly excited by the prospects of this project to contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the National Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Phase 2 (2016-2020), Extended Zimbabwe National AIDS Strategic Plan (2015-2018) and the National Gender Policy,” Health and Childcare Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said this while officiating the launch of this project in Epworth on Friday.

The Health Minister also urged adolescents to report issues of molestation and rape to the police, and community leaders.

In a statement detailing what the project is about, Plan International said the project recognises the unique challenges faced by adolescent girls in Zimbabwe.

“The overall objective of the project is improved well-being and sexual reproductive health and rights of all adolescents, including adolescents at high risk of sexual and gender absed violence, and adolescents with disabilities,” the organisation said.

Focussing on the 10-19 year old age group, the project will be implemented in three cities.

“Project implementation will include working with adolescent girls and boys aged 10-19 in Kwekwe, Bulawayo peri-urban and Harare peri-urban using a gender transformative layered approach to prevent HIV infection, teen pregnancies. Reduce Gender based violence and increase access to responsive SRHR and SGBV youth friendly services,” Plan said.
Zimbabwe is commemorating the 16 days against Gender Based Violence. Meanwhile, UNFPA alongside Ministry of Women’s affairs launched a GBV online portal.